PM Shehbaz Highlights Second Phase of CPEC as Economic Game Changer
KARACHI: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with China for mutual prosperity and global stability during the National Day Reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy on Thursday. The event marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, attended by key Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the transformative potential of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he believes will play a pivotal role in reshaping Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted the vast opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and natural resources.
“The second phase of CPEC offers immense potential for collaboration in various fields, including agriculture, IT, and minerals, which will drive mutual growth,” said PM Shehbaz. He also acknowledged China’s crucial support in Pakistan’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and praised the continued partnership between the two nations for fostering regional peace and development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s stance on international issues, including matters concerning Hong Kong and Taiwan. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming visit of the Chinese Prime Minister to Islamabad, where he will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG) meeting.
Speaking at the event, President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the importance of CPEC’s high-quality development, stating that it would unlock greater economic benefits for Pakistan and enhance regional connectivity. “October 1 signifies the rebirth of a strong and united China, made possible by the heroic efforts of the Chinese people under the Communist Party’s visionary leadership,” he remarked.
KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to working with China for shared prosperity, and promoting peace and stability in the world.
The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help transform the country’s economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at the National Day Reception, hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari said that high quality development of CPEC would “help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region”.
“We are entering into the second phase of CPEC which has huge potential of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals and many other important areas of mutual interest,” PM Shehbaz said.
The prime minister also acknowledged China’s critical role during the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
He reiterated that the ongoing partnership not only fostered regional development and peace but also contributed to global stability and progress, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s positions on international issues, including those related to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
PM Shehbaz said the government was eager to welcome the Chinese prime minister who will participate in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG) meeting, to be held in Islamabad.
In his remarks, President Zardari said that October 1 marked the rebirth of a strong, united China, achieved through the heroic struggle of the Chinese people under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party.
PM to attend UNGA meeting
On Thursday, the Foreign Office spokesperson told reporters about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s engagements during his visit to New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session.
The PM will “reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and call for addressing long-standing disputes, particularly the Palestine and Kashmir conflicts, which pose significant threats to global peace and security”.
He will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials, the spokesperson said.
On the session’s sidelines, the prime minister will attend a session on the ‘Existential Threat posed by Sea-level Rise’ and a UN Security Council’s debate on ‘Leadership for Peace’.
He will meet with world leaders, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang.
Meanwhile, Deputy PM Dar will represent Pakistan at the ‘Summit of the Future’ convened by the UN secretary-general, and other meetings, including the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers and the G77 & China ministerial meeting.
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